Scores and Score Reports
Non-scored Items
Certain questions on the exam may be included for pre-testing purposes. Such questions are not scored when computing a candidate’s final score. Rather, they are used in the development of future examinations. Candidates will not be informed which questions will not be scored.
The ability to pre-test questions improves the quality of future examinations by ensuring that only high-quality questions are used in computing the examination grades and by contributing to a consistent level of examination difficulty.
Retakes
All candidates for certification are eligible for two retakes of a failed exam. Candidates may take any one examination a maximum of three times (first attempt plus two retakes). After three failed attempts of a subject area exam, candidates must choose a new subject area or pursue a different route to teacher certification. There will be an additional fee per retake. If a candidate fails the Professional Teaching Knowledge exam three times, the candidate can no longer pursue ABCTE certification.
In the event of a failed exam, you must pay for your retake authorization. Candidate accounts are automatically extended an additional six (6) months in order for candidates to complete the retake exam.
Score Reports
Unofficial score reports reflecting accurate multiple choice scores are provided at the test center after taking the exam.
Official score reports for passing scores will be mailed approximately 4-6 weeks after your testing date to your address on file via regular postal mail. If you move, it is your responsibility to update this information in your account and at http://helpdesk.abcte.org The cost to expedite mailing of a score report will be charged to the candidate. Score reports can also be viewed from your account.
Writing Component Testing Rescore
A candidate may request a rescore of ABCTE examination writing component result within 30 calendar days of an official score. Request rescore forms can be requested at http://helpdesk.abcte.org
Writing components are rescored according to the scoring rubric with no previous awarded score taken into consideration. Letters of recommendation, certifications, previous test scores, etc. will not be considered in a rescore. In the event that a writing component rescore results in a scoring change, ABCTE will notify the candidate and return the appeal fee to the candidate within 60 calendar days of notification of the decision.
With writing component rescores it is highly suggested that you go through retake advising first before deciding to pay for a rescore.
Multiple Choice Component Testing Rescore
A candidate may request a rescore of ABCTE examination multiple choice result within 30 calendar days of an official score. Request rescore forms can be requested at http://helpdesk.abcte.org
Multiple choice rescores are an audit of the test session process that includes examination time and correct scoring. Letters of recommendation, certifications, previous test scores, etc. will not be considered in a rescore. In the event that a multiple choice rescore results in a scoring change, ABCTE will notify the candidate and return the appeal fee to the candidate within 60 calendar days of notification of the decision.
Procedural Appeal
Candidates may appeal an ABCTE decision within 30 calendar days of decision notice. Depending on the nature of the appeal, additional evidence may be requested from the candidate by ABCTE. All candidate appeals are reviewed quarterly. Candidates requesting a change in ABCTE’s decision must follow the official ABCTE appeal procedure to be considered for an appeal in any area.
A candidate may request an appeal in situations regarding:
- Accommodations
- Allegations of misconduct in connection with an examination
- Background check
- Misconduct in connection with an examination or testing irregularities
- Transcript
- Revocations
In the event that an appeal has been found to be of merit, ABCTE will notify the candidate and return the appeal fee to the candidate within 60 calendar days of notification of the decision.
The appeal form can be requested at http://helpdesk.abcte.org
